If your child finds reading or spelling much harder than their friends do, you may have started to wonder about dyslexia. You may also have found out that getting a test is not always quick or free. Many parents then ask two simple questions: how much does a private dyslexia assessment cost, and is it worth the money?

If you're interested in a private dyslexia assessment with your own child. ACE-SEN's team is here to help, in person or over Zoom. Book your free virtual consultation now.

What is a private dyslexia assessment?

A dyslexia assessment is a set of tests that looks at how your child reads, spells and processes information. It is carried out one-to-one by a trained specialist assessor.

A private assessment is one you arrange and pay for yourself, rather than waiting for school or another service. In the UK, the NHS does not usually test children for dyslexia, and schools do not always have a specialist assessor who can give a formal diagnosis. That is why many families choose to go private.

If you are not sure whether your child needs one yet, our guide on the early signs of dyslexia in primary school children is a good place to start.

How much does a private dyslexia assessment cost?

Prices vary across the UK. Many private assessments for children cost somewhere between about £400 and £700, and some cost more. The price usually depends on:

• the assessor's qualifications and experience
• how long the testing takes
• how detailed the written report is
• whether a chat before or after the test is included

At ACE SEN, a full dyslexia assessment costs £450. This price includes the assessment session, the scoring, the analysis and a detailed written report. You also get a free 30-minute chat over Zoom before you book, so you can ask questions and check it is the right fit.

What do you get for your money?

A good assessment should give you more than a "yes" or "no". Here is what is included in an assessment with ACE SEN.

Every assessment is carried out by Nicola Durrant, our founder and a Level 7 qualified dyslexia assessor with over 25 years' experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people. You can find out more on our private dyslexia assessment page.

Is a private dyslexia assessment worth it?

For many families, the answer is yes. But it depends on what you hope to get from it. Here are the main reasons parents find it worthwhile.

1. You get clear answers

Not knowing why your child is struggling can be worrying for you and upsetting for them. An assessment shows exactly where the difficulties are. Many children feel relieved to learn that there is a reason reading feels hard, and that it has nothing to do with being "lazy" or "not clever".

2. You can help the school understand your child

A written report gives teachers clear facts about how your child learns. It can help the school plan the right support in class, such as extra reading time, coloured overlays or small group work.

3. You get a plan, not just a label

A good report includes practical ideas you can use at home, and that school can use in lessons. This helps everyone work together towards the same goals.

4. You avoid long waits

Waiting for support can mean months of your child falling further behind and losing confidence. Going private often means you can get answers much sooner.

When might it not be the right time?

A private assessment is not always the right first step. It is worth thinking about the points below before you book.

• Your child is very young. ACE SEN assessments are for children aged 7 to 11. Before age 7, many children are still learning to read, so it can be too early for a clear result.
• You need it for university. Our reports are not suitable for higher education, such as an application for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Older students usually need a different type of assessment.
• Support is already working well. If your child is getting good help at school and is making steady progress, you may decide to wait.

It is also worth knowing that schools must support children with special educational needs, even without a formal diagnosis. You can read more about how this works in the government's guide to SEN support in schools.

What happens after the assessment?

Once you have the report, you can share it with your child's school and talk about the support they need. Many families also choose specialist one-to-one help to build reading and spelling skills. Our dyslexia tuition uses structured, multi-sensory methods to help children grow in skill and confidence, either in person or online.

FAQ:

Will insurance pay for dyslexia testing?
In the UK, private health insurance doesn't usually pay for a dyslexia assessment, because it counts as an educational need rather than a medical one, but it's worth checking your own policy.

What are 5 signs of dyslexia?
Five common signs are trouble linking letters to sounds, spelling the same word in different ways, slow or effortful reading, mixing up the order of letters or numbers, and finding it hard to remember instructions given in a sequence.

What is commonly mistaken for dyslexia?
Eyesight problems, hearing difficulties, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, and simply being slower to learn to read can all look like dyslexia at first.

Is dyslexia passed on by mother or father?
Dyslexia can be passed on by either parent, and it often runs in families.

Does dyslexia get worse with age?
No, dyslexia is lifelong but doesn't get worse, and with the right support, most people's reading and spelling get better over time.

Is dyslexia linked to high IQ?
No, dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence and can affect people of any IQ.

Book your free consultation

If you are wondering whether a dyslexia assessment is right for your child, we are happy to talk it through. Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation, or email us at info@ace-sen.co.uk. There is no pressure, just a friendly chat about your child and how we can help.